The My Place Photography Learning Project is a new 2 year built environment project for young people of school age. Developed in association with the My Place Photography Competition, the learning project focuses on providing opportunities for young people to gain a better knowledge of their local buildings, places and spaces.

The project is now at a mid point stage - I've been in post since July 2013 and we've now completed the first round of workshops with schools in South Lanarkshire. Having just launched the new My Place Photography website, we are now planning an exhibition for March 2014 at The Lighthouse, Mitchell Lane, Glasgow.

I have been selected to be part of the Ankur Ha Ha programme- an artist development scheme run in partnership with the Citizens Theatre, The Tron and National Theatre of Scotland to develop emerging talent in theatre, visual art, literature and interdisciplinary forms.

I have been paired with the National Theatre of Scotland who are offering support to my project. The programme will showcase each of the six projects selected on October 2nd 2013 at The Tron.My Ha Ha project The greatest thing you’ll ever learn…(working title) is an audio-visual art installation; layers of music and fable exploring love and identity. I am being menotred by the fabulous Caroline Newall of the National Theatre of Scotland and have spent around a week in a NTS rehearsal space researching and working on the piece. On October 2nd, my work along with the other Ha Ha projects will be showcased at The Tron Theatre as part of a Scratch performance evening. I shall also be exhibiting this installation at a venue TBC nearer the time.

The inspiration for this work has been led by research into the song Nature Boy , now a well known jazz and pop standard written in 1947 by Eden Ahbez. Over the years, this song has been recorded by a many artists including Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee, Cher and David Bowie.The song, a story about a ‘strange enchanted boy who wandered very far’ to learn that ‘the greatest thing was just to love and be loved in return’ conveys a range of compelling messages. Mysticism, leadership, youth and experience are all referenced within the lyrics – enlightenment through exploration and the simplicity/complexity of love.For now, I point you towards Nat King Cole Nature Boy Eden Ahbez (1947)There was a boyA very strange, enchanted boyThey say he wandered very farVery far, over land and seaA little shy and sad of eyeBut very wise was heAnd then one day,One magic day he passed my wayWhile we spoke of many thingsFools and KingsThis he said to meThe greatest thing you'll ever learnIs just to love and be loved in return--

I have now started as the Project Officer for the My Place Photography Project, a Heritage Lottery Funded project. The project will help young people in school and youth centre settings to learn about their local heritage, architecture and place using photography. More info...

I am chairing a forthcoming Engage Symposium: Participation, Photography & the Politics of Space on March 12 2013 at the University of Aberdeen. The day includes contributions from Alicia Bruce, Barby Asante, Eva Sajovic, Debbie Adele Copper.The symposium is hosted by the Special Collections Centre, University of Aberdeen in partnership with NEPAN, (an artist-led North East Participatory Arts Network) and engage Scotland. More information here.